Ah, summer! Your cat is probably looking forward to it as much as you are, with better weather and longer days allowing for more time in the great outdoors (if they go outside), and more to look at from a sunny windowsill if they live indoors. Summer does come with its challenges however, and this article will look at a few to bear in mind to keep your cat safe and happy in the warmer months.
Heatstroke and Dehydration
Cats evolved as a desert species, and so are often better adapted to hot weather than dogs. Left to their own devices, they will seek shady places during the hottest part of the day, and be more active in the cooler evenings and early mornings, or sometimes out all night if this is part of their routine!
If they cannot control their activity however, they are as prone to overheating as all other furry creatures that have a very limited ability to sweat. House cats are especially at risk, particularly in the UK where we have not built our homes to cope with the extreme heat we now see regularly. If for any reason your cat cannot get outdoors, cannot access cool places indoors or needs to travel in a carrier, their risk of heatstroke goes up. In heatstroke, the body temperature rises in an uncontrollable manner, leading to multi-organ failure if external cooling does not happen.
How can we help prevent this?
- Make sure your cat has shady, well-ventilated spaces that they can access at all times, indoors, outdoors or both depending on their lifestyle
- Never leave cat in a car, conservatory or caravan for any length of time. These can quickly reach fatally hot temperatures
- Think about which windows can be left safely open to ensure a breeze
- Provide plenty of fresh drinking water, and consider getting a drinking fountain. You can also add ice cubes to their water!
- Specially designed pet cooling mats can provide a comfortable place to rest
If your cat is overheating, they will be lethargic and act confused, will feel hot to the touch, and may be breathing with their mouth open (something cats should never do). Ring your vet straight away, but try to actively cool them down with cold running water before you get them in a carrier or car to avoid making things worse.
Sunburn
Just like humans, cats can get sunburnt over areas with little fur, especially if they like to sunbathe! This is obviously a big risk for hairless breeds like Sphynx cats, but is a particular problem in cats with white fur anywhere on their body. Areas particularly prone to sunburn are the ear flaps, nose, and the belly. Cats who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk of sunburn, but just as much damage can be done in indoor cats who like to lie in the sun next to windows.
If you think your cat is at risk of sunburn, you can apply a pet-safe suncream to the areas of concern. Make sure it is definitely for animals, and if in doubt show your vet team the packaging before use. You’ll probably need to train your cat to accept having it applied (and to not lick it off before it’s sunk in!) so get those treats out to make it an enjoyable experience. Use a small amount in a small area first to ensure your cat does not have any reactions.
Cats with white ears may need suncream on their ears even on dull days, as long-term sun exposure in these areas increases the risk of some types of skin cancer. If your cat’s ears seem sore or crusty around the edges, or they develop scabs that don’t seem to heal around their nose, make an appointment with your vet.
Grass
Grass seeds
Seeds can be a problem for cats if they get stuck in between their toes, with the arrowhead shape causing them to bury in and start moving up the leg. If your cat seems suddenly painful on one leg, won’t let you touch their paw or if you can see a swelling in between the toes, make an appointment with your vet. They may be able to remove a seed consciously (or it may have already burst out), but some cats will need sedation or anaesthesia to allow your vet to explore the area and flush it out.
Blades of grass
It’s not just the seeds! Blades can cause a problem if your cat likes to chew them! They’re not easy to swallow, so they sometimes bend round at the back of the throat and become stuck around the soft palate, tickling the back of the nose and throat. If your cat seems generally well but is making funny sneezing, coughing or gagging sounds, it may be that they have a blade of grass stuck. Your vet will need to sedate them to explore the back of the throat and hopefully pull it out.
Hot tarmac
In weather over 30˚C, tarmac and bitumen on roads, pavements and in gardens can start to melt, and this can stick to our pets’ paws, causing burns. Most cats are sensible enough to avoid this, but think about your individual cat and the routes they need to take in and out of your house and garden. Are there any areas of tarmac they can’t avoid? If so, how could you fix this? It’s also a good idea generally to check your cats’ paws daily for anything stuck to them; if this is something they would never let you do, then look out for any signs of excessive licking at the paws.
Flares of existing diseases
Some long-standing diseases will inevitably get worse in the summer, even when they are controlled well in cooler weather. Allergic skin disease often gets worse as there are more allergens around from all the flowering plants, and your cat may need more intervention (such as different medication doses or more shampoos) than they would in winter. All these allergens can often make cats with feline asthma suffer more too, and their medication may need increasing. Heart and lung disease is often worse in the summer, as these organs have to work harder in the heat, and you should always be on the lookout for changes in breathing patterns. With all of these, be aware of any changes you see, but make sure you speak to your vet before adjusting any treatment plan.
Parasites and Biting insects
All parasites breed more quickly in warmer weather, especially
Ticks are a particular problem in the summer, and can often be found around your cat’s head, neck and paws. If you find a tick, remember that you need a special tick hook to remove it fully and safely, so if you do not have one at home call your vets for help.
Many cats like to chase bees and wasps, and sometimes they will get stung! If you see any swelling of the face, lips or paws and think a sting is the cause, you may be able to wait and see if it goes down within an hour as long as your cat is calm and breathing normally. If your cat is distressed, if the swelling is getting worse or if they have any breathing difficulty at all, call your vet for an immediate appointment.
Garden hazards
You would hope that your cat would be safe at home, but even within our own gardens we have to be careful in summer.
Plants
Some flowering plants are toxic to cats if eaten, especially lilies, foxgloves and azaleas. Check out this list from Cats Protection for a list of safe and dangerous garden plants for cats.
Garden chemicals
You may be using different chemicals in your garden during the summer, such as fertilisers and weed killers. Remember that these products are almost invariably toxic to all living things, including humans and pets, so consider safe alternatives, or if you must use them, do so with caution and ensure your cat cannot access them. If you have any concerns your cat has come into contact with poisons, call your vet or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service straight away, and make sure you take the packaging with you to any appointment.
Sheds
Cats will often go into sheds as a shady or cosy place to rest, but if they get locked in they can become death traps. Always check your shed before closing the door to make sure nobody is still in there!
Paddling pools and ponds
Any body of water can be a drowning hazard for your cat, so make sure access is safe. Drain paddling pools after use, and make sure ponds have sloping sides so your cat can get out if they fall in. Consider using mesh over the top.
Going outside more
All this outside fun in the long daylight hours can mean that your cat is away from home for longer periods than usual, and unfortunately we see more road traffic accidents in the summer. Try to be consistent with your daily routine so your cat knows when to come home (can you set a timer on your cat flap?) and make sure their microchip is working with your details up to date.
Summary
Summer can mean lots of fun for your cat, but there are also dangers about. With sensible consideration of these, you can both enjoy the better weather together!
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